#Change

I support the indigenous people everywhere on the planet. ~ Edward James Olmos

Orange Shirt Day is a legacy of the St. Joseph Mission (SJM) Residential School (1891-1981) Commemoration Project and Reunion events that took place in Williams Lake, BC, Canada, in May 2013. This project was the vision of Esketemc (Alkali Lake) Chief Fred Robbins, who is a former student himself. It brought together former students and their families from the Secwepemc, Tsilhqot’in, Southern Dakelh and St’at’imc Nations along with the Cariboo Regional District, the Mayors and municipalities, School Districts and civic organizations in the Cariboo Region.

The events were designed to commemorate the residential school experience, to witness and honour the healing journey of the survivors and their families, and to commit to the ongoing process of reconciliation. Chief Justice Murray Sinclair challenged all of the participants to keep the reconciliation process alive, and as a result of the realization that every former student had similar stories.

Orange Shirt Day is a legacy of this project. As spokesperson for the Reunion group leading up to the events, former student Phyllis (Jack) Webstad told her story of her first day at residential school when her shiny new orange shirt, bought by her grandmother, was taken from her as a six-year old girl.

The annual Orange Shirt Day on September 30th opens the door to global conversation on all aspects of Residential Schools. It is an opportunity to create meaningful discussion about the effects of Residential Schools and the legacy they have left behind. A discussion all Canadians can tune into and create bridges with each other for reconciliation. A day for survivors to be reaffirmed that they matter, and so do those that have been affected. Every Child Matters, even if they are an adult, from now on.

The date was chosen because it is the time of year in which children were taken from their homes to residential schools, and because it is an opportunity to set the stage for anti-racism and anti-bullying policies for the coming school year. It is an opportunity for First Nations, local governments, schools and communities to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come.

It all started right here in the Cariboo, and as a result, School District No. 27 has been chosen by the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) to pilot curriculum changes for all Grade 5 and Grade 10 students reflecting the residential school experience, to be implemented province-wide.

Resolutions have been passed in support of Orange Shirt Day by local governments, school districts, and First Nations in the Cariboo and beyond. Most recently the AFN Chiefs-in-Council passed a resolution declaring Orange Shirt Day “a first step in reconciliation”, and pledging to bring the message home as well as to the government of Canada and the churches responsible.

On this day of September 30th, we call upon humanity to listen with open ears to the stories of survivors and their families, and to remember those that didn’t make it.

A Case for Advocacy by Jim Roberts, CEO

“Don’t ever depend on someone else to do your duty of Advocacy; if you do not say it – who will? Otherwise, negative change will be perpetrated upon us wherein we have no control.”

Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt intimidated, shy, excessively nervous, restrained or unwilling to make your opinion known. Now look around you, there’s probably a lot of hands in the air!

On the other hand (no pun intended), there are plenty of people who we wish would be less obsessed with being verbose; you know, the hot-air syndrome. Either way, we are so fortunate to live in a society where we can freely speak our mind and give voice to what is important to us.

Many of you have heard me teach or talk about the importance of “Change.”Change is essential for growth and improvement; whether it be individually or organizationallychange is necessary. But there’s a caveat: what type of change are we talking about? There are basically three faces of change:

that which is forced upon us and we react to – we don’t want this;

change we initiate ourselves because it’s the right thing to do; and

change which we help produce on a much larger scale and with far greater potential impact.

This third type is Advocacy. Healthy change is change that we initiate ourselves and advocate!

For me, living in a free, democratic society,Advocacy is not an option – it’s a responsibility. Unfortunately, it seems that too many people would rather complain, bellyache, boo-hoo, feel sorry for themselves or cry “the sky is falling” than to do anything to evoke positive change. The “I’m only one person, what can I do”

The attitude we should embrace is: “If I don’t say it–who will?” Never be content to be silent.

It is an understatement to say that the American political system is in total shambles right now – it’s a mess! I attribute this to three conditions.

First, we have wrongly put our “elected” officials on pedestals calling them our “leaders.” They are not our leaders; they are our “representatives” and should be following the voices of their constituents, not party politics or gratuitous financiers.

Second, the public is far too complacent, has basically lost its voice and failed its responsibility to Advocate.

Third, because the public at large has abdicated its responsibility to Advocate and hold elected officials accountable, these officials have become political prostitutes selling themselves to the highest bidder and rigging the system to keep themselves in power!

There is no time better than right now to start wearing that t-shirt which states boldly: “If you don’t say it – who will?”Fulfill your civic duty – become an Advocate! Exercising our right to speak up is the only way we will stop the political pandering and inappropriate behaviour of our “elected” officials.

I have been advocating for children, youth and families for nearly five decades and I will continue as long as I am able. It is rewarding and sometimes horribly frustrating, but it is the right thing to do. Needless to say, I have a few Lessons Learned I’d like to share.

First, remember politics begin at home. Get to know your city council person, County Supervisor or other key elected officials, (i.e., school board members). Voice your opinion and communicate with them enough so that they know who you are. I have experienced how my own relationships developed at this level, very often are carried into other political settings and higher offices. The operative word here is “relationship.” It is important to remain respectful of these officials, whether you agree with them or not. You never want to be viewed as some bombastic, hostile kook!

Second, communicate often, effectively and succinctly. Do your homework, know your facts and present your ideas with complete brevity in mind. Elected officials and their aides will not take the time to read lengthy dissertations! Phone calls, emails and twitter post can be equally effective, especially when giving your opinion on specific legislation.

Third, meet face-to-face whenever you can. I cannot stress enough how important this personal interaction is, even if it’s only for a few minutes. You want that legislator or their aides to see you enough to remember who you are.

Fourth, don’t minimize your ability to have an influence. You don’t need to be rich or powerful to be heard. It has been said that politicians know that for every individual who articulates an opinion there are probably 1000 or more who agree with their opinion buthave remained silent. Regardless of your station in life – relentlessly Advocate!

Finally, there is strength in numbers. I call it “Synergetic Collaboration,” and it’s when the collaborative outcome is far greater than each individual effort. This is really a re-articulation of what we call a “grass-roots” campaign. Learn how to mobilize others or join others who share the same point of view. Learn to use Twitter effectively. Every federal legislator and almost every state legislator consistently monitors Twitter feed. Why? Because it serves as an insta-poll, providing real-time, up-to-the-minute feedback about what people are thinking.

There is yet another way to Advocate – at the ballot box!Elected officials who fail to follow the input of their constituents need to be removed. The era of partisan politics needs to end. Elected officials should not be beholden or responsible to any political party or financier. Remember, they are our representatives and must only be accountable and responsible to the public they represent. I know, this change in thinking may be a challenge for many who have been lifelong R’s or D’s, or whatever, and only think in that collective mentality. But this type of “party-loyalty”is destroying the democratic process, not enhancing it.

Kenzie Ziegler “Phases” Available NOW

🇨🇦 Lauren and Johnny Store

🇬🇧 Rod Stewart

These Are Special Times

A JANN ARDEN CHRISTMAS

Michael Buble Christmas

Beacon Theatre December 8

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🇺🇸 Neil Patrick Harris’ Official “Love is Magic” Shirt

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Book of Joy

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🇸🇾 “Heartbeat – Zade, Ansam and the children of Syria”

The song is performed by 10 year-old Ansam, an internally displaced girl in Syria who was born blind. The song was shot in an area of Syria heavily damaged by the fighting. Children performing as part of the choir are all internally displaced and participate, along with Ansam, in UNICEF psychosocial support programmes.

🇨🇦 Book of The Month

Feeding My Mother
Comfort and Laughter in the Kitchen as My Mom Lives with Memory Loss
BY JANN ARDEN
Publisher: Random House Canada
Based on her hugely popular Facebook posts and Instagram photos, Feeding My Mother is a frank, funny, inspirational and piercingly honest account of the transformation in Jann Arden's life that has turned her into the primary "parent" to her mom, who is in the grip of Alzheimer's.

🇬🇧 BP’s Artist of the month

Now is the fifth studio album by Canadian singer and songwriter Shania Twain, released on September 29, 2017, by Mercury Nashville. It is Twain's first new studio album in 15 years, since her 2002 release, Up!.

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Your donation will help us remain a strong and independent national voice for people living with HIV/AIDS. It will also allow us to continue with our prevention and education programs. http://www.cdnaids.ca/

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🇨🇦 “Where Am I Going to Go?

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🇬🇧 Golden Days Brian May + Kerry Ellis

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Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert (3 DVD)

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🇬🇧 “QUEEN in 3-D” by Brian may

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🇺🇸 Heal the Earth (A Julian Lennon White Feather Flier Adventure)

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An album of all-new recordings, God's Problem Child adds 13 new songs to the artist's repertoire, including seven recently written by Willie and Buddy Cannon, his longtime collaborator and producer. The album is Willie's first to debut all-new songs since Band of Brothers (his 4th Legacy release) reached #1 on the Billboard Country chart and #5 on the Billboard 200 in 2014.

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🇨🇦 “Cody Coyoto (feat. Vision Quest)” Northen Lights

Cody Coyote's music strongly reflects on his upbringing in the nations capital, his life experiences, issues found in the world today and also speaks about issues found within First Nations communities. A lot of his inspiration comes from his life experiences, his involvement in activism for First Nations communities and his passion for helping others.

🇬🇧 ” Blondie “Pollinator”

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🇩🇪 Albert Einstein to Stephen Hawking – 100 Years of General Relativity

On the occasion of Professor Stephen Hawking’s 75th birthday, we are proud to present a special limited edition hard back edition of ‘Albert Einstein to Stephen Hawking, 100 Years of General Relativity’ to benefit The Stephen Hawking Foundation.

🇨🇦 “My Life, Tad Milmine”

Locked in a basement as a child and bullied at school, Tad also knew he was attracted to other boys but had no idea what to do about it. He dreamed of being a police officer; a police officer could stop the hurt and make a difference. And then, when he realized his dream and became a police officer, he got bullied out of the police force.

🇺🇸 Adam Lambert “Welcome To The Show

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Older Post Library

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🇺🇸 Lonestar “Never Enders” Now Available

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🇺🇸 Cyndi Lauper “Detour”

Happy to announce that Detour the album is now available on iTunes!

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We're excited to share our latest comic inspired t-shirt collab with the Human Rights Campaign! Click the image above to learn how you can stylishly support the work of both of our organizations.

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🇺🇸 The Matthew Shepard Foundation

Love is love

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Special People

Miss Newfoundland & Labrador 1998-1999 Paula Kinden Introducing another one of my niece's, that's not to say I'm not proud of all my niece's, I truly feel such an achievement should not get lost in the files of time, Click the image to learn more.

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Universal human rights are often expressed and guaranteed by law, in the forms of treaties, customary international law , general principles and other sources of international law. International human rights law lays down obligations of Governments to act in certain ways or to refrain from certain acts, in order to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms of individuals or groups.

Cyber bullying is a form of teen violence that can do lasting harm to young people.

In recent years, a series of bullying-related suicides in the US and across the globe have drawn attention to the connection between bullying and suicide. Though too many adults still see bullying as "just part of being a kid

Bullying at work heightens the risk of employees being prescribed antidepressants, sleeping pills, and tranquillisers

Bullying is a serious problem that leads to many negative effects for victims, including suicide. Many people may not realize that there is also a link between being a bully and committing suicide.(Suicide Support) Donate *Offer applies when you spend £40 or more. Supporting Amnesty with a regular gift or donation is the best way you can help us achieve our long term goals. Your help will allow us to keep up the pressure, demanding justice for victims of human rights abuses.Complete fun survey's that can be converted into cashDo you struggle with different phobias and fears, social anxiety disorder, and other mental health issues on a regular basis and don’t know where to turn for help? A Layman's Guide to Managing Fear: Using Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant MethodsThere are numerous ways for you to get involved. Take action and push for a cause that matters to you. Check out the Human Rights Watch traveling film festival and learn the difference that someone with a vision and a camera can make. Sign up for our newsletter – staying informed about human rights issues is the first step towards making change. And see what our supporter committees are doing in 17 cities worldwide.New Youth Housing and Employment Toolkits The Canadian Observatory on Homelessness and the Home Depot Canada Foundation are thrilled to launch two toolkits aimed at supporting communities working with homeless and at-risk youth.If you are being Cyber-Bullied anywhere else in Canada, you can find information here. Protecting cyberbullying victims. Holding cyber-bullies accountable.Cyberbullying can be a sophisticated campaign of attack that can take many forms, but the result is always the same - harm to another person. A strong, sophisticated, and vibrant organization meeting the needs, advancing the rights, and celebrating the lives of Gay, Lesbians, bisexual and Transgender people and communities in Tanzania.For the complete list click the imageWorking for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Equal Rights, Click on the image to donateI want to thank SageDoyle for the Award, every blog on wordpress deserves this Award, so I hearby present the Blog of the year Award to one and all, so just grab yours..cheers lotsa luvRussia’s oldest human rights organization, Moscow Helsinki Group, has said the anti-gay laws are harming children. It has claimed Vladimir Putin’s lawmakers are acting in opposition to international law. which always ensures the interest of a child is protected. Photo courtesy of HRC FoundationClick to JoinClick here to Join"The percentage of mobbing victims who lash back in violent attack would probably have lived out their lives peaceably and productively had they been spared the excruciating pain of relentless humiliation."